Preferably ensure all areas of your workplace are smokefree. If a designated outdoor smoking area is provided, ensure that it's well away from building entrances, walkways and areas where staff are required to work.

Encourage people to ride or walk to work and to use the stairs.

Provide bike sheds and showers.

Have walking meetings where possible. Consider walking to meetings that are a short distance away.

Include healthy options when catering.

At social events and functions, make sure water or juices are readily available and alcohol is served in moderation.

Occupational and environmental cancers

In Australia, exposure to certain chemicals or processes at workplaces or in the environment accounts for between 2 and 5 per cent of all cancer cases in Australia. Occupational cancers are, to a large degree, avoidable provided that the risk of exposure is identified, where possible removed and – if not – adequately managed. Cancer Council Victoria would like to see coordinated action at a national and state level in order to reduce this burden of harm. It is calling for measures that will effectively prevent workplace or environmental exposure to substances likely to cause cancer, as well as improvements to support for people who already have cancer that’s related to such exposures.

The following statement summarises Cancer Council Victoria’s position in relation to occupational and environmental cancer in Victoria.

Learn more about carcinogens that could be found in your workplace

Carcinogens are cancer causing agents. Within workplaces, exposures to some carcinogens are often at higher concentrations and for longer periods of time than people in other environments. An Australian study in 2014 estimated that 3.6 million (40.3%) current Australian workers could be exposed to one or more cancer causing agents in their workplace. Some of these carcinogens are well-known to workers, such as solar ultraviolet radiation or asbestos, however many are not commonly recognised as being responsible for causing cancer, such as silica dust or diesel engine exhaust.

Cancer Council has fact sheets around various occupational carcinogens, for employers and employees. The fact sheets aim to provide information about some workplace cancer risks, what you can do about them, legal obligations and where you can go for more information. For access to these fact sheets, other resources on workplace cancer or to share your story please visit kNOw Workplace Cancer.

SunSmart in your workplace

SunSmart offers workplace education and will help you develop and implement workplace sun protection programs (including policy and compliance strategies).

A cancer diagnosis can create challenges to your ability to work. Workplaces are often unsure of how to create a fair and supportive workplace, and employees are often unsure of their rights and responsibilities.

Find out more about our free, confidential counselling with medical specialists trained in intimacy, body image, sexual confidence and relationships. Available to all those facing cancer and their partners, including members of the LGBTQI community.